Weight Loss Support

News article: Weight-loss surgery brings risk of iron deficiency

Saturday, October 17, 2009 by Trish Seidel

This article is just another reminder of how important it is to talk with your dietician to ensure that you are getting all the proper nutrients you need post-operatively. If you ever have a question about supplements, please call us at 317-275-7010.

Full text of this Reuters article can be found by clicking here.

Weight loss surgery can help you lose weight, but it's also likely to leave you unable to absorb iron, a new study suggests: Iron deficiency is a common problem after stomach bypass surgery to treat severe obesity -- and standard iron supplements may not be enough to prevent it in some patients.

Researchers found that among 67 Chilean women who had undergone the most common form of weight-loss surgery, 39 percent developed low blood counts, also known as anemia, within 18 months of surgery. That anemia was most often due to a deficiency in iron, which the body needs to produce healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen.

In contrast, less than two percent of the women had been anemic before surgery, the researchers report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Staff qualifications when searching for a bariatric surgery clinic, Part II

Monday, August 17, 2009 by Tina Carmichael

This is part two of several on the questions that should be considered when looking into a weight loss program. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney lists the following questions they feel you should ask as you search for a weight loss program.

What are the staff qualifications?
Because Clarian Bariatrics is a surgical weight loss program, this is not as big an issue as it would be in a weight loss clinic. You can be sure here that you are followed by qualified, board certified medical doctors and nurses who are well trained and have a great deal of experience in surgical weigh loss.

Who supervises the program?
Terri Hohlt, MSN, RN, is the Program Administrator. Terri has 30 years of nursing experience with Clarian Health. Her role is to keep an overview of the whole program. She hires the staff, keeps the program on budget, makes sure the physicians and staff have what they need provide top of the line care to our Indiana bariatric patients. Terri continually monitors all aspects of the program to assure we provide the quality care each person deserves.

The medical director of the program is Samer Mattar, MD, who is board certified surgeon. Dr. Mattar has received special training in advanced laparoscopy surgery at Emory University Hospital. He is also a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, and several other professional organizations. The medical director's role is to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality medical care available.

In addition to the above, the Clarian Bariatrics surgery program provides a “complete package” program with weight loss support provided by a full staff of highly trained, licensed, board certified Dietitians who specialize in weight loss and the health problems caused by obesity. We also have a Bariatrics Behavioral Medicine department headed up by Clinical Psychologist William Hilgendorf, PhD, HSPP. His staff helps to support your surgical weight loss effort with a variety of group sessions geared specifically to bariatric patients.

What type of weight-management training, experience, education, and certifications does the staff have?
You can see from the list above that this program is serious about providing you top of the line quality care. In addition to the above highly trained staff, other members of the team are patients of this bariatric surgery center with the deepest understanding of the program, and patients concerns, and struggles. They have insights that only someone who has been there can provide, that adds to their qualifications for the position they have at this Indianapolis Weight loss clinic.

Want to learn more? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar. Dates can be found by clicking on the image at the right of this post.

Fueling for Bariatric Fitness

Monday, May 4, 2009 by Erin Light

Since our bodies burn our nutrition choices as fuel, it is important to fill ourselves with the best fuel available. And since food is our fuel, it has a strong affect on our energy levels during exercise as well! I have received a few questions about what choices would be best to help boost energy levels during exercise sessions—so here are a few examples for post-surgery exercisers looking to keep their tanks healthy!

Low-calorie, electrolyte-enhanced beverages like Powerade Zero and SmartWater
Skim Milk or Fat Free Lactaid that you can sweeten with sugar free Nesquick
Fat Free Yogurt

These options are mainly in liquid form, because they protect the “90-minute rule” that you are required to follow. And since the goal of exercise right now is to help facilitate weight loss, we want to keep your extra fuel intake to a minimum, so your body uses stored fat as energy.

It isn’t necessary to take in extra fuel before a workout, but if you feel zapped of energy or your stomach feels completely empty—these are good options for you. Try to take in your extra fuel about one to two hours before you plan to exercise, and you should be good to go!

Don't fall for a "quick fix!"

Friday, March 6, 2009 by Traci Baker

Obesity is a growing epidemic in Indiana and many of us are looking for the “quick fix” for our disease. I know first hand what it feels like to be morbidly obese, and to be terrified of how to get my weight under control.

I have a 45 minute drive to work each morning, and I was flabbergasted at the amount of weight loss pill commercials I heard in that time frame. I counted five different types of ads for the quick fix weight loss pill. We all have different circumstances of why we have obesity problems and many of us wake up one day and wonder “How did this happen to me?”

I’m asking all of you to be very mindful of the quick fix weight loss pills! We are promised a cure all to our obesity and the commercials make us think that the pounds will just melt away. I am the perfect example of a gastric bypass patient who tried all the fad diets, weight loss pills, not eating, all of the things that were more harmful than helpful to my obesity issues.

Think long and hard about what weight loss pills contain, why you lose weight, and how the quick fix is not pleasant and doesn’t last. Think about the damage you are doing to your body and know this is not a healthy decision. Remember we didn’t become overweight overnight. It took us many years to get to where we are today and no pill can fix that for us!

At Clarian Bariatrics we are here for your weight loss support in a completely positive and healthy way! I encourage each of you to come to support group no matter where you are in your journey! We are here to support you and discuss the causes of obesity, how to help overcome our food addictions and be your best cheer leaders for your weight loss goals!

Please click on the image at the top right of this page for listings of all upcoming support groups and locations. If you are can not make it to support group and have questions please feel free to contact me directly or leave a comment below. Please call 317-275-7010 or toll free at 877-275-2555 or by e-mail at bariatric@clarian.org.

I love my job!!!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 by Traci Baker

Those are the words I’ve been spreading these past few weeks to my colleagues at Clarian Bariatrics. Those of you who are reading this post are the reason I come to work each and every day. I’ve had the pleasure of hearing from many of you about your personal struggles, successes and wow moments.

We’ve discussed your weight loss procedures, weight loss support system, obesity related problems, questions about bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, gastric banding, support groups, free informational weight loss seminars and the list goes on.

You sincerely touch my heart and motivate me more than you can imagine. I want to take this time to say “Thank You” from the bottom of my heart for all of your comments, questions and concerns. The first thing I do every morning is check my email inbox to see if I’ve touched one person’s life that day.

I am truly blessed to be involved with the most outstanding Indiana Bariatric Center and a part of your lives. I am honored to become one of your support persons in your weight loss journey and value the confidence you have placed in me!

Please know that you can contact me confidentially by email at bariatric@clarian.org or you can call me at 317-275-7010 and leave a message on my confidential voicemail. If you would like to leave a comment to share with anyone who reads the blog you can respond below in the comment section.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Bariatric Lenten Meals

Tuesday, February 24, 2009 by Trish Seidel

Okay, I admit it – I will not eat tofu. I moved here from Georgia. People from Georgia don’t eat tofu – not even deep fried tofu smothered in cheese with a dipping sauce on the side. I know that tofu is a great meal replacement, but I promise you, I will not eat tofu.

All too often, fried fish, greasy cheese pizza, and pasta with fat laden sauces become the replacements for the meat that Catholics and other religious folks give up on Fridays during Lent. I hope the following ideas will help our

Bariatric Surgery Recipes, Bariatric Lent Recipes, Bariatric Weight Loss, Weight Loss Surgery, Indianapolis Bariatric Surgery, Causes of Obesity

weight loss surgery patients get through Lent with a handful of healthful alternatives.

I like to serve my family meals that include Morningstar Farms products during Lent. Have you tried them? I think they’re great and my family has never noticed the difference between them and “real meat”. I will admit that I am quick to throw away the package lest they see I’m substituting these products in place of meat – teenagers are funny like that.

I am particularly fond of the Morningstar Farms Meal Starters. I use them in place of hamburger or sausage in meals like sloppy joes, chili, spaghetti sauce, and taco salads. I also use the Morningstar Farms veggie steak strips or veggie chicken strips for fajitas, taco salad, and stir fry. We also use the veggie sausage links and a make a breakfast for dinner on Friday evenings.

If you come up with a great dinner idea you’d like to share, please leave me a comment below. I’d love some more ideas from our readers.

Pay Attention!

Friday, December 12, 2008 by Samer Mattar

Today, I would like to address the important topic of adopting, and maintaining, correct eating habits after weight loss surgery.

As I see more patients who are farther out from weight loss procedures, I often notice that some unwelcome habits are taken up while eating; primarily not paying attention, and reverting to the “old days” of mindless eating. I hear many patients tell me that they eat their meals in front of the television, or engage in reading a newspaper or magazine or computer work.

Obviously what then often happens is that patients forget to take small bites, chew adequately and swallow slowly. This leads to either eating too much, or food getting stuck, which then results in either drinking water to “push” it down, or leaving the table to regurgitate the offending morsel.

It is important to remember the rules of proper eating and stick to them forever.

1.   Never skip meals.
2.   Eat by the clock; do not rely on appetite.
3.   Stop whatever you are doing when meal time arrives.
4.   Sit and eat at the table, not in the den or at your office desk.
5.   Stick to the healthy portions, and always eat protein first.
6.   Minimize snacking between meals.
7.   Do not drink at mealtime.
8.   Once full, leave the table, or if at a restaurant, ask food to be removed.
9.   Pay attention to how you are eating, enjoy the food.
10.   Meals should be formal events.

I am confident that following these rules will help continued weight loss, and prevent anxiety about increased food capacity, and discomfort with eating.

Most importantly, please remember to pay attention!

Tips for the Holiday Season

Monday, December 8, 2008 by Alvin Furiya

Last week, I posted a brief recap from our November gastric bypass weight loss support group, and as promised, here are a few tips to keep in mind during the holiday season:

Maintain your routine! Meal times, food journaling, etc
Don't skip meals before the big meal or holiday party.
Stick with your meals plan 3-4 ounces of protein and up to 1 cup vegetables. Total amount at meal time should not exceed one and half cups.
Offer to bring a favorite low-calorie dish to holiday parties. Holiday foods that are low fat and low-calorie but still crowd pleasers!
Have a plan of what and how much you will eat before you attend the function and keep portions small.
Remember eat your calories avoid drinking calories.
Make exercise part of your holiday and shopping experience. Park as far away from the stores and malls as you can, so you're forced to walk and burn some extra calories. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes per day during the holidays.
Go to this link “Walk off your Thanksgiving Dinner,” which will calculate how many miles your will need to walk to burn calories from your Thanksgiving meal. Although Thanksgiving has passed, it still gives you an idea for what you will need to do during the December holidays.

Remember, Clarian Bariatrics will provide monthly support group for gastric bypass weight loss surgery patients on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Patients may bring family and/or support members to the meetings. Next mont's topic is "What is and how to prevent maladaptive eating?" This will be held on December 17 at Clarian Bariatrics. See you there!

November Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Support Group Recap

Monday, December 1, 2008 by Alvin Furiya

Sorry for the dealy in posting our gastric bypass weight loss support group meeting recap from November. During this time of the year it is easy to lose track of time!

Did you know that the average American packs on about of 10 to 15 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s? During the holiday season, it is easy to get off track, especially when holiday treats taunt us at work, at home and at social events.

The holidays are about celebrating with family and friends, but these celebrations often involve foods that are high in calories and short on nutrition. The typical holiday meal can have up to 3,000 to 4,000 calories. However, eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to take the joy out of the holiday season.

Later in the week, I will post some easy tips to help you get through the holiday's without packing on the pounds.

Remember, Clarian Bariatrics will provide monthly support group for gastric bypass weight loss surgery patients on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Patients may bring family and/or support members to the meetings. Next mont's topic is "What is and how to prevent maladaptive eating?" This will be held on December 17 at Clarian Bariatrics. See you there!

Can Weight Loss Surgery Work?

Thursday, July 10, 2008 by Samer Mattar

At first glance, the formula appears straightforward: if you consume more calories than you burn, they will be stored as fat. You would think the reverse is also simple: if you consume less food, you will lose weight. Yet, many individuals struggle all their lives trying to achieve this simple equation.

Severely overweight individuals suffer through numerous diets, losing weight temporarily, only to regain all their lost weight, and then some more. Over the years, the pounds relentlessly add up, resulting in the emergence of various diseases, severe limitation of activities, and an overall deterioration in the quality of life.

As a bariatric surgeon, I am familiar with the limitations imposed by being overweight. I know how obesity affects every aspect of life. I know that it is associated with numerous medical diseases, and that it robs individuals of the ability to enjoy many daily activities. But I also understand the challenges of achieving and maintaining dramatic weight loss.

Through patient education, various treatment methods, intensive individualized and group support, and numerous other activities, weight loss surgery can be an effective way for a person to achieve his or her weight loss objectives. However, it is not an easy way out.

Long-term success depends on an individual’s full participation in the program. The patient must assume the role of a team player. Experience has taught me that the most successful patients, those who lose a large amount of weight, and keep it off, are the ones who actively seek to understand how the surgery works, the associated risks and benefits of the operations, and recognize the importance of following nutritional and lifestyle guidelines.

I hope that this post has given you a better understanding of how professional and family support and a “can do” attitude relates directly to successful outcomes in weight loss surgery. Please continue to use this blog as a resource to learn even more about bariatric surgery and weight loss support.